Execution will not go on as scheduled
By: Import User
Updated: January 7, 2009
The state Supreme Court has announced that it will not lift its temporary order blocking the execution of Rickey
Dale Newman.. at least for the time being. Newman was to have been put to death Tuesday night, but the high court
says that won`t happen. Newman says he wants to be executed for the 2001 slaying of a woman at a transient camp near Fort Smith. The Supreme Court says it needs time to consider a new claim
that Newman is mentally retarded and should not be executed. The court also will decide whether Newman`s aunt, Becky Moore, can intervene on his behalf. The court ordered sides to submit written arguments and says its
temporary stay order will continue until it renders a decision. Newman was convicted of killing 46 year old Marie Cholette and admitted his guilt. The state Correction Department made initial preparations for the execution but did not move Newman to a quiet room or take his last meal order. He remains on death row at the maximum security
unit at Varner.
